Friday, June 11, 2010

Wow, I have to share.... just have to. Working on some layouts last night, and wanted to do some of the lastest T-Ball photo's of Jonathan. They are purple, and match some great GLITZ designs paper I had in mind.... of course the photo's are new, so I haven't printed any yet. No worries.... I'll print at home. Now normally for me in the past this brought about a huge amount of stress, it never worked, was never easy, and it NEVER looked like REAL photo's.

I am so happy, really so impressed. I've had the Epson Artisan 810 for about 6 months now, used it for a variety of projects, and I know it works great, the software is good, easy to install, good on ink.. and all that, but tonight it just BLEW ME AWAY!

I used the Epson Premium Photo Paper - Glossy, 4x6, slid the photo paper into the CLEARLY marked spot in the printer tray, (face down by the way, but it tells you that), pulled up the software and voila, print... GORGEOUS, just GORGEOUS photo's. I used the BEST PRINT setting, with border and I LOVE them!

Even my DH, who is really into QUALITY when it comes to prints admits they are fab..... Okay, enough of that! Look at these CUTE pictures.. and you'll see why I just HAD to print them out....

I got the layout mostly completed, and I have a full night of crafting ahead, so I think I'll actually get this one DONE! Whoo Hoo! It's been a while. I'll post asap.

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Was surfing one of my latest addictions last night, FOOD Gawker and ran across someone just like me.. a Foodie and a Scrapbookie junkie all rolled into one! The difference? Amanda makes FONTS, tons and tons of fantastic HANDWRITING fonts.... you can even have your handwriting turned into a digital font FOR FREE!

I love it.. totally love it! Go check out Amanda's site... grab some fonts, and while you are downloading, check out some of her recipes! There is one for BLONDIES, that sounds just incredible! and then, while the Blondies are baking, take a LOOK at her Scraproom... WOW is all I can say!

Speaking of FOOD... well, I signed up to get the daily Menu's from Ruby Watch Co. They sound delicious...wonder what it will be tomorrow?

DINNER AT RUBY WATCHCO

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9TH

CHILLED PINK SHRIMP & WATERMELON SALAD

The New Farms’ Spicy Asian Greens Mix,

Avocado, Pickled Red Onions,

Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

SLOW ROASTED LEG OF LAMB, GRILLED LAMB KEBABS

WITH BBQ LAMB SPARERIBS

Elmira Tomato, Zucchini & Feta Orzo,

Roasted Garlic, Lemon & Oregano Pesto,

Cucumber Salad “Tzatziki Style”, Grilled Pita Bread

BLUE ERMITE

Radicchio, Crispin Apple & Raisin Slaw

DETOUR ESPRESSO AFFOGATO

ED’S REAL SCOOP VANILLA ICE CREAM

Bailey’s Caramel Sauce with Chocolate Chip Biscotti

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Yesterday was Monday, and that meant burger night. I had planned on making these tasty sounding Greek Lamb Burgers, but instead had a cold Roasted Chicken Chef Salad and Garlic Cheese bread. I do plan on making the burgers NEXT week, and though I would share anyways. I've got quite a collection to try this summer! Lot's of fun.

Today was my day off, did lot's of odds n' ends. Weeded the back yard, and cleaned the kitchen, made chicken vegetable soup and I may make some muffins.. if I don't run out of steam.

I also booked dinner at this fantastic sounding new restaurant in Toronto. It's called Ruby Watch Co. Chef Lynn Crawford (formerly of the Four Seasons) is the owner and chef, and it's sounds, well, fantastic. We're booked in with friends.... June 24th, can't wait.

We are off to Little League tonight, ... both Jacob and Jonathan are playing... Tues & Thursday all summer so I've gotta be ready EARLY and I have to make a few cards this afternoon.

I was cruising the Magenta Stamps site for some inspiration, and I came across this card that I particularly liked. It can be used for so many occassions.. I'm off to case it! If you're like me, and often need a "jumping off point, you should think about using SKETCHES. Many sites have them... here's one from Magenta.

Price includes all supplies to complete each layout and all design time. Also included is 1 interview to gather facts, get organized and pick a theme. A follow up meeting is also included to review work that has been completed to date (normally 6-8 layouts) to ensure everything is progressing as desired.

Email me for more details or to see samples of my custom design work. lara.brooks@gmail.com